Dr. John Strobeck, 67, is accused of fondling two female patients.Passaic County Prosecutor's Office

HAWTHORNE — A Hawthorne cardiologist affiliated with Valley Hospital was indicted this week on charges he fondled two female patients during medical examinations, according to Passaic County prosecutors.

Dr. John Stroback, 67, the director of the Heart Failure Program at Valley Hospital, was indicted on two counts of criminal sexual contact Tuesday and could face up to three years in prison if convicted on both charges.

A female patient told Hawthorne police in May of 2012 that Strobeck fondled her multiple times during a medical examination. Prosecutors then launched an investigation into Strobeck, Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes said in a statement. The investigation resulted in authorities finding another woman who also claimed Strobeck fondled her during medical examinations, Valdes said.

Strobeck, the founder of the Heart-Lung Associates of America on Lafayette Avenue in Hawthorne, is a nationally-renowned cardiologist who has been affiliated with Valley Hospital for decades.